{"product_id":"juniperus-squamata-blue-star","title":"Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' - Modri trpotec","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJuniperus squamata 'Blue Star'\u003c\/strong\u003e, also known as \"blue creeping juniper,\" is a dwarf evergreen conifer from the Cupressaceae family, native to Asia (Himalayas and China). It is valued for its compact, bright silvery-blue foliage and its globular shape, making it a popular choice for small gardens, rockeries, borders, or containers. Due to its slow growth and decorative appearance, it is ideal for modern landscapes and limited spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\"\u003eAppearance of leaves, flowers, and fruits\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves\u003c\/strong\u003e: The foliage consists of short, prickly needles arranged in dense spirals, of an \u003cstrong\u003eintense silvery-blue\u003c\/strong\u003e color with a metallic shade, especially in winter. The needles are soft to the touch when young, becoming stiffer as they mature. The color remains constant throughout the year, providing a vibrant contrast in landscapes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers\u003c\/strong\u003e: The flowers are insignificant, monoecious or dioecious, appearing in spring as small cones, yellow (male) or green (female). They have no ornamental value.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruits\u003c\/strong\u003e: The cones are small, round, 4-8 mm, \u003cstrong\u003eblue-black\u003c\/strong\u003e with a waxy bloom, maturing in 1-2 years. They are rare and do not significantly contribute to the decorative aspect.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\"\u003eGrowth characteristics\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight and width\u003c\/strong\u003e: Grows up to \u003cstrong\u003e30-50 cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e1-1.5 meters wide\u003c\/strong\u003e at maturity (after 10-20 years), forming a \u003cstrong\u003ecompact, globular\u003c\/strong\u003e shrub, slightly flattened. The maximum diameter is reached in 15-20 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVigor\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cstrong\u003eSlow\u003c\/strong\u003e growth, at a rate of 3-5 cm\/year, making it ideal for spaces where a neat appearance is desired without frequent maintenance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e: Evergreen conifer with short, dense branches spreading horizontally.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\"\u003eGrowing conditions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExposure\u003c\/strong\u003e: Prefers \u003cstrong\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e (6+ hours\/day) to maintain the intense silvery-blue color. Tolerates \u003cstrong\u003epartial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e, but foliage may become greener in low light.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e: Grows in \u003cstrong\u003ewell-drained\u003c\/strong\u003e soils, from sandy to clayey, with neutral to slightly acidic pH (5.5-7.5). Tolerates poor, rocky soils but does not withstand waterlogged soils.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering\u003c\/strong\u003e: Water \u003cstrong\u003emoderately\u003c\/strong\u003e, especially in the first years, keeping the soil slightly moist. Once established, it is \u003cstrong\u003edrought tolerant\u003c\/strong\u003e and requires occasional watering only during long dry spells.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardy in \u003cstrong\u003ezones 4-8\u003c\/strong\u003e (down to -29°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Tolerates cold and cold winds well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\"\u003eCare and resistance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResistance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Very resistant to cold, drought, urban pollution, and poor soils. Tolerates wind and salt, making it suitable for coastal areas. Not resistant to deer, which may eat the foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFertilization\u003c\/strong\u003e: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring, once every 2-3 years, to stimulate growth. Does not require frequent fertilization.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePruning\u003c\/strong\u003e: Does not require extensive pruning due to slow growth. Remove dead or damaged branches in spring to maintain the globular shape. Shaping cuts are rare and should be done carefully to avoid an unnatural look.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePests and diseases\u003c\/strong\u003e: Resistant to most diseases but can be affected by \u003cstrong\u003erust\u003c\/strong\u003e (Phragmidium) or \u003cstrong\u003emites\u003c\/strong\u003e in dry conditions. Inspect regularly and use fungicides or insecticidal soap if necessary. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife\u003c\/strong\u003e: The cones attract small birds, and the dense foliage provides shelter for wildlife.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\"\u003eUses\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eJuniperus squamata 'Blue Star' is ideal for \u003cstrong\u003erock gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eborders\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eground cover\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003econtainers\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cstrong\u003emodern landscapes\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its silvery-blue color contrasts beautifully with plants such as lavender, sage, hosta, or green conifers. It is used in Japanese gardens, low alignments, or as an accent in ornamental arrangements. Due to its dwarf stature, it is perfect for small spaces, terraces, or balconies. It has received the \u003cstrong\u003eRHS Award of Merit\u003c\/strong\u003e for its ornamental value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eJuniperus squamata is native to the \u003cstrong\u003eHimalayas and China\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the 'Blue Star' cultivar was selected in the Netherlands in the 1950s from a mutation of the 'Meyeri' variety. It was introduced into horticulture for its unique foliage and compact form, becoming one of the most popular dwarf junipers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJuniperus squamata 'Blue Star'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dwarf evergreen conifer with silvery-blue foliage and a compact globular shape, ideal for small gardens, rockeries, or containers. Easy to grow – with sun, well-drained soil, and minimal care – it is resistant to cold, drought, and pollution. Decorative all year round, this juniper adds color and texture, being an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a long-lasting ornamental shrub with maximum visual impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHeight including pot: approx. 25 cm\u003cbr\u003ePot diameter: 17 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Secret Garden Outdoor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54526900109638,"sku":null,"price":9.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0558\/5551\/3798\/files\/2AE8CADC-6807-4812-BE7C-ECD39604132F.jpg?v=1758107474","url":"https:\/\/secretgarden.ro\/en-si\/products\/juniperus-squamata-blue-star","provider":"Secret Garden Plant Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}